An Intimate Chinese-American Coastal Celebration With Pops of Red on the Couple's Porch in Beaufort, South Carolina
When Erin first met Eugene in 2013, he was just a fellow employee hired by the CEO to assess their company. Before long, Erin was noticing things about him, like his nervous habit of twirling pens with his fingers, his intelligence and how comfortable he was “in his own skin (not arrogant, just comfortable),” she says. She also enjoyed his sense of humor and felt they’d gotten off on the right foot, but their working styles started to clash. A minor roadblock, since they’d soon become friends and eventually, a surprise to them both, fall in love.
One Saturday in Savannah, a sunny fall day, as Erin describes it, they’d gone to lunch at Forsyth Park, presumably to celebrate her birthday. The day was packed with thoughtful events, like a stroll through the park post-lunch, lounging and reading at their boutique Hotel, Bellwether House and spa appointments for the birthday girl. After their final event for the evening, dinner at Elizabeth’s, the two returned to the hotel. Erin says, “Eugene proceeded to give me a series of presents, starting with a handwritten letter, which is a practice of his. At the end of the letter, he mentioned a song that he’d been humming (somewhat amusingly) for weeks, offering a new stanza to be sung to the same tune. That stanza ended with a question about becoming his wife.” He proposed with his mother’s wedding ring, a sentimental heirloom perfect for this “loving moment.”
Though the engagement was meticulously planned, the couple felt that handing the reins over to trusted vendors on their actual wedding day was the right call. With Sarah Lillie Designs at the helm and Hannah Forsberg to capture it all, they were soon transforming their front porch into an elegant but simple venue. The low-key couple aimed to blend their cultures, with Eugene’s Chinese traditions woven throughout the decor, florals and fashion. “It was important to create an elevated experience while incorporating the color red,” Erin adds.
Red is considered a symbol of good luck in Chinese weddings, and with Erin choosing a turquoise gown for the day, shades of blue complemented the red hues. “In Chinese culture, turquoise is a prized gemstone with a rich history and cultural significance,” the bride says. “It is associated with longevity, virtue, and even divinity, with some legends describing it as a gift from the gods or a substance used to mend the heavens.” The blues also matched Eugene’s suit jacket and suit, as well as the waterfront views of their back porch for the reception, giving the private residence a more open feel overlooking the sea.
With an abundance of summer florals in vibrant shades, their event planner utilized eye-catching blooms like anemones, anthuriums, roses, amaranthus and trailing greenery to craft a floral archway, displays hanging from chandeliers and centerpieces on the dining tables. Erin’s bouquet was simple, a bunch of red anemones to match her sash, but fresh strawberries in bowls on tables and as a cake topper also brought the lucky color to the forefront.
After the ceremony, their guests were led to the decorated back porch, with pink linens draping the pillars and cocktail tables beneath palm and oak trees, Spanish moss hanging down as nature’s own decor. One of the most important aspects of the day? Erin says, “[That was] the bringing together, at our home, of our families and friends for the first time.” Live musicians played during the summer night, as their loved ones enjoyed a dinner fete and selection of the newlyweds’ favorite wines from around the globe.
But with any Southern wedding in the summer, combating the heat was a must. “At the reception, [we] had Marie's Sweet Treats (an ice cream truck!) as a part of the experience. Loved having everyone be able to go up to the counter and order their favorite cold treat,” the couple adds. Hosting an intimate gathering at their own home, with their close friends and family giving heartfelt speeches during the evening, made for an unforgettable wedding.
Beyond the wedding day, the bride and groom have their own words of wisdom for a strong relationship. They say, “What is the biggest lesson we’ve learned about love? That it is genuine and found in the little things, every day, but that it takes intention.” But also, the importance of dogs, according to the couple, who share three spaniels and a puggle. And what more could you need than that?